5540 River Road, Donalsonville, GA 39845
Donalsonville, GA — In a significant investment in rural science education, McFadden Nature Center has been awarded a $50,000 grant from The R Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation to launch Burn, Grow, Thrive, a groundbreaking initiative that will bring high-quality science learning and teacher training to the heart of Southwest Georgia. The program will combine a dynamic, hands-on exhibit focused on longleaf pine ecosystems and fire ecology with immersive professional development opportunities for local science teachers in primarily Seminole, Miller, Early, and Decatur County.
Located in Donalsonville, McFadden Nature Center was founded to close a glaring gap in access to environmental education and science infrastructure across the tri-state area. This region, part of Georgia’s historically rich longleaf pine range, is home to remarkable biodiversity, but it is also home to deep educational disparities. With no dedicated science museums or STEM centers within a 75-mile radius and a disproportionate amount of science teachers serving thousands of students in grades 4–12 across the rural counties, opportunities for meaningful, place-based science education have been extremely limited.
“Science should be alive, tactile, local, and connected to where we live,” said Schelly Corry, Executive Director of McFadden Nature Center. “Thanks to this generous grant from The R Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation, we can provide that kind of learning experience here in Southwest Georgia where it’s most needed.”
Burn, Grow, Thrive has two components designed to work in tandem. First is The Longleaf Pine & Keystone Species Exhibit. This permanent, interactive exhibit will explore the once-vast longleaf pine ecosystem of Georgia and the essential role of fire in maintaining biodiversity. Through tools like digital fire-cycle simulations, hands-on plant and animal identification stations, and high-definition ecosystem visuals, students and visitors will learn about fire-adapted species like the gopher tortoise, red-cockaded woodpecker, and bobwhite quail. Aligned with Georgia science standards, the exhibit will serve as both a field trip destination and a family-friendly learning space. With custom interpretive panels, technology integration, and curriculum materials designed by award-winning science educators and local partners, the exhibit is expected to draw thousands of annual visitors.
Second is “Science Teacher Training and Curriculum Integration”. Recognizing that no exhibit can succeed without educator support, McFadden Nature Center, through the generous R Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation will fully fund 51 local science teachers—representing grade 4–12 science educators in Seminole, Early, Miller and Decatur Counties —to participate in an immersive conservation science workshop. Hosted by the Georgia Forestry Commission, the training will be led by certified facilitators and McFadden Nature Center. Each teacher attending the training will also receive a free school field trip for their classroom at McFadden Nature Center.
By supporting teacher development at this scale, McFadden Nature Center aims to create a lasting ripple effect across the region’s schools, equipping educators with the confidence, tools, and support they need to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
“Rural teachers often have limited access to hands-on training and curriculum support,” said Angela Hagen, Chairman of the McFadden Foundation, “This initiative ensures they’re not only trained in the latest conservation science, but also empowered to connect that science directly to their students and classrooms.”
While major metro areas in Georgia benefit from robust environmental education assets such as botanical gardens, zoos, and science museums, rural areas like Donalsonville have historically been left behind. The absence of abundant local STEM resources contributes to an ongoing gap in student engagement, especially in science subjects where hands-on experience is essential.
McFadden Nature Center is committed to bringing science, conservation, and outdoor learning to communities that have long been underserved. With support from partners like the Georgia Forestry Commission and financial support from the R Howard Dobbs, Jr Foundation, we are bringing science and nature-based engagement to our community.
This grant was awarded by The R Howard Dobbs Foundation, a Georgia-based philanthropic organization with a long-standing commitment to advancing education, conservation, and community wellbeing across the Southeast. Founded in 1959, the Foundation supports projects that foster long-term, systemic change—particularly those focused on youth development, environmental protection, and equity in access to opportunity.
The Foundation’s support of Burn, Grow, Thrive reflects its mission to “enable individuals and communities to thrive and improve the human condition.” Through this grant, The R Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation is helping to build a future where every student in Southwest Georgia has the opportunity to connect with their environment and where teachers are equipped to lead that learning journey.
“We’re deeply grateful for The R Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation’s belief in our mission and our region,” said Schelly Corry, Executive Director. “Together, we are creating something lasting, a resource that will educate, inspire, and grow stewardship for generations to come.”
The exhibition design is underway and will be made publicly available when the Nature Center Museum opens. The teacher training workshops are now under development with a training date to follow.
If you’re inspired by McFadden Nature Center’s mission to expand access to science education and environmental learning in Southwest Georgia, we invite you to get involved. As a nonprofit organization, we need the support of donors and sponsors. To learn more or become a sponsor, please contact Valerie Peacock at vpeacock@mcfaddennature.org. For more information about McFadden Nature Center please visit us at: www.mcfaddennaturecenter.org . The trails and Visitor Center are open 8 AM to 7 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
